[Diets enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease blood pressure without changing the plasma insulin concentration in healthy subjects].

BACKGROUND

Plasma glucose, insulin and blood pressure are wellknown cardiovascular risk factors, which may be influence by dietary factors. The aim of the study was to investigate whether changes in dietary fatty acids could modify plasma concentration of glucose, insulin and mean blood pressure (MBP).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Forty two subjects (18 women and 24 men) were placed in four consecutive five week diet periods. Energy intake from proteins, carbohydrates and fats was constant during the study and there was only changes on fatty acids composition. First period was enriched on saturated fatty acids (SFA), second period on monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and third and fourth periods were enriched on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Fourth period was also enriched on PUFA n-3.

RESULTS

No significant changes were found on glucose and insulin plasma concentration. However, a significant effect was detected on MBP on total population (p < 0.0001) and by gender. MUFA and PUFA n-3 enriched diet decreased significantly MBP compared to SFA enriched diet AGS (85.7, SD 9.1, 87.3, SD 8.7 y 90.3, SD 8.8 mmHg, respectively). In addition, a weak (r = 0.28) but significant (p = 0.002) correlation was found between MBP and plasma insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Diets enriched on MUFA fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids decrease significantly MBP without modifying glucose and insulin plasma concentration.